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plastic


Nolan Miller butterfly brooch featuring pink plastic and clear rhinestones
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals
Species:  Plastic
​​Mohs Hardness:  3 to 4 out of 10
Color:  Can be any color.
RI:  1.460 to 1.700
Birefringence:  None
SR/DR/AGG:  SR, commonly with strong ADR due to strain
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Not diagnostic
SG:  1.05 to 1.55

plastic facts


Plastic used to be the standard material for watch crystals, even for luxury brands like Rolex.

Plastic can be produced in nearly all colors.

Plastic has a very light heft.

Colorful plastic molds are used in costume jewelry pieces, as they are able to be mass produced quickly, and cost-efficiently.
​
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • SHOP
  • GEMOLOGY
    • GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
    • REFRACTIVE INDEX CHART
    • BIRTHSTONE CHART
    • DECORATIVE PRINTS
    • THE ART OF GEMOLOGY
  • APPRAISALS
    • INSURANCE
    • DIVORCE
    • ESTATE TAX
    • ESTATE DISTRIBUTION
    • CHARITABLE DONATION
    • LIQUIDATION
    • APPRAISALS THRU EMAIL
  • SELL YOUR JEWELRY
  • JEWELRY EDUCATION
    • DIAMOND FACTS
    • JEWELER DIRECTORY
    • JEWELRY PERIODS
    • POCKET WATCHES
    • NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY
  • GLOSSARY